Police Officer - Trainee​/Entry-Level

Overview

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The City of Vacaville is looking for motivated, community‑minded individuals ready to start a meaningful career in law enforcement with the Vacaville Police Department as Police Officer Trainees. This is your entry point into a long‑term career in public safety, community engagement, and the chance to make a real impact.

This recruitment is for entry‑level Police Officer Trainee candidates only. Applicants who have already completed a California Post Academy or who are currently working for a California law enforcement agency but have not completed probation must apply under Police Officer – Academy Graduate instead.

As a Police Officer Trainee, you will attend a six‑month POST‑certified Police Academy beginning in July 2026, where you will receive comprehensive training in modern policing. Upon successful completion of the academy, you will be sworn in and promoted to Police Officer – Academy Graduate and begin your career serving the Vacaville community.

• Attend and complete the six‑month POST‑certified Police Academy.
• Participate in a ten‑week Field Training Officer (FTO) program after academy graduation.
• Patrol assigned areas, respond to calls for service, and enforce traffic laws.
• Conduct investigations and compile accurate police reports.
• Testify in court proceedings and perform a wide range of law‑enforcement duties with integrity and professionalism.

• Education: High school diploma or GED plus fifteen (15) semester units from an accredited college or university. An AA/AS degree with major coursework in police science or a related field is desirable.
• Experience: Some public contact work experience is required; community organization or law‑enforcement experience is desirable.
• License: Valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record.
• Other: At least 21 years of age, legally authorized to work in the United States, T‑score of at least 45 on the POST Entry‑Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) within 12 months of application (or possession of an AA/AS degree waives this requirement), successful background investigation, and meeting POST’s 15 job dimensions. Spanish bilingual skills are highly desirable.

• Salary as a Police Officer Trainee: $71,916 per year.
• Salary as a Police Officer – Academy Graduate: $99,903 per year.
• Salary after completion of the FTO program: $114,287 – $138,835 per year.
• Opportunities across Patrol, K‑9, Investigations, Narcotics, Crime Suppression, Tactical Operations, Traffic Enforcement, and Family Services.

Applications will be screened on Wednesday, February 4th. Qualified applicants will be invited to the first step in the hiring process (a physical agility test) scheduled for Sunday, February 15th. Please ensure you submit a completed City of Vacaville Employment Application and Supplemental Questionnaire along with the required documentation listed below.

Required documents:

• Proof of a T‑score of at least 45 on the POST Entry‑Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB) dated within 12 months of application, OR proof of an AA/AS degree or equivalent.

Resumes will not be accepted in place of a completed application packet.

Contact with applicants will primarily occur via email. Note that the City of Vacaville reserves the right to alter the examination process, dates, and other details when needed.